Inno Morolong Opens Up About “Slay Queens”: “It’s Okay for a Black Woman to Work Hard and Still Look Good”

Showmax has dropped the exciting trailer for Slay Queens, a new five-part documentary series that digs deep into the world of women chasing the “soft life” — by any means necessary. The highly anticipated Showmax Original will premiere on 31 October, with fresh episodes arriving every Friday.

The series gives viewers an inside look into the lives of both slay queens and ballers, told in their own voices. It also includes perspectives from popular personalities and thought leaders who shape the ongoing conversation around this controversial lifestyle.

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Among the powerful voices featured is Inno Morolong — a South African reality TV star, socialite, influencer, and entrepreneur. A BTech Communications Science graduate from the Central University of Technology, Inno brings her years of experience as a club hostess and outspoken influencer to the documentary. While she clarifies that she’s not a slay queen, Inno provides real insight into the nightclub industry and what truly happens behind the glamour.

Alongside her, the documentary features DJ Cyan Boujee, Amapiano star Mr JazziQ, author Jackie Phamotse, and anthropologist Lebo Masango.

We sat down with Inno to talk about her experience and thoughts on Slay Queens.

1. What was your first reaction when you were approached to be part of Slay Queens, and what made you say yes to joining the documentary?

“My first reaction when I was approached I wasn’t really shocked because I usually get approached for slay queens interviews. I have turned down a few interviews because they were  pushing the same narrative. I said yes to this one because they said they will allow me to push my own narrative and allow me to be myself.”

2. You’ve mentioned that you’re not a slay queen but a club hostess with years of experience in the nightlife industry — how important was it for you to make that distinction in the series?

“I mentioned that I’m not a slay queen but a club host because as a club host I work so hard for many hours in the club on my feet. My job is to bring crowd to the club. I get paid to deliver spenders and party starters in clubs while slay queens are mostly at clubs just to look cute and to hunt for their next bag.”

3. As someone who’s well-traveled and has seen the nightlife culture up close, what are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about club hostesses and slay queens?

“Misconceptions about ⁠⁠club hosts and slay queens is that people think is easy to just host at the club, it’s not easy, you have to deliver help the club to make money in order for the club to also always pay you  and book you.”

4. In the documentary, you speak about how far some girls go to ‘secure the bag.’ What was the most shocking or eye-opening thing you’ve witnessed in that world?

“Some girls can go as far as taking risks to secure bags. Some have travelled overseas without no pocket money or return tickets to visit men they don’t even know so they can just post and check in overseas. It always ends in tears so I found those stories shocking when I heard some slay queens actually do travel without a back up plans. It’s shocking.”

6. Slay Queens also explores the pressures faced by women in the spotlight. As a public figure yourself, how have you handled judgment or criticism about your lifestyle or career choices?

“As a public figure I handle judgment and criticism by just being calm and not allowing whatever people are saying get to me. People will always talk whether you do good or bad, so I have learned to always mind my business and do what works for me.”

7. You’re also known as a GBV activist and survivor. How do you think your platform and participation in this documentary contribute to reshaping conversations around women, empowerment, and survival in nightlife spaces?

“This documentary is going to contribute reshaping conversations around women, empowerment and survival in the nightlife spaces by opening a lot of young women’s eyes and educating them about this lifestyle. Everyone has a choice to do whatever they want and what works for them, but it’s also a choice to choose the right way in doing things and avoid putting your life in danger.”

8. What message do you hope viewers will take away from your story in Slay Queens — especially young women who might be drawn to the ‘soft life’ culture?

“The message people will take from my story from this documentary is that it’s okay for a black woman to work hard and still look good. It will teach people to be patient because it took me years to get to where I am right now. Those who like the soft life should know that everything doesn’t come easy.”

9. The documentary brings together very different voices — from Cyan Boujee to Jackie Phamotse and Mr JazziQ. How was it sharing space with such a diverse mix of personalities and perspectives?

“The show brings together different people but we never met filming. I know and I have met all of them personally on other events but not filming this show. I personally didn’t know those people are also gonna be part of the show. I shot my own storyline alone, I was surprised when I saw the trailer but initially I knew there’s other people that are gonna be featured but I didn’t know the names of the other casts.”

10. Lastly, after being part of Slay Queens, how has the experience changed your view of the nightlife industry or influenced how you approach your own brand and advocacy going forward?

“I can only answer this question after I watch the show. I haven’t watched the show and I don’t know who’s in the show and what’s their stories. After I hear other people’s stories and experiences on this nightlife and slay queen culture I can be able to answer this question well.”